Electronic blasting system

ABSTRACT

An electronic blasting system comprising: a plurality of electronic detonators; and a blasting machine, a function of which is to transmit information to and/or receive information about one or more of the plurality of electronic detonators, wherein the blasting machine is adapted to perform this function under voice control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic blasting system for usein blasting operations, for example in mining and quarrying. The presentinvention also relates to a method of blasting involving the electronicblasting system. The present invention further relates to components ofthe electronic blasting system.

In general terms electronic blasting systems are well known in the art.A characteristic of such systems is the use of electronic delaydetonators to achieve precise detonation, and preferably thesedetonators are fully programmable with respect to detonation delay time.The use of such detonators affords significant benefits in terms ofblast control and design.

A blasting system using electronic delay detonators involves a varietyof control equipment in order to implement successfully a pre-determinedblast design and to initiate a blast according to that design.Invariably, operation of the control equipment requires a blast operatorto use his/her hands to press buttons and/or perform keystrokes. Evenwhen a skilled blast operator is involved, operation of controlequipment in this way can be a source of errors. This is especially soin the field when the control equipment is being operated underdifficult conditions, such as when it is wet or humid and/or whenambient light levels are low. Errors can also occur when a precise, andpossibly complex, combination of keystrokes, or the like, is required toimplement some equipment functionality.

Furthermore, use of conventional hand-operated control equipmentinvariably requires the blast operator to look at what he/she is doingto ensure that the correct buttons or keys are being pressed at theappropriate time. In addition, the blast operator is inevitablydistracted when reading (LCD) display screens which are characteristicof control equipment in common usage. This can be especially problematicin dusty and/or wet conditions and/or when visibility is poor. It shouldalso be noted that LCDs tend to perform badly in cold conditions, suchas might be encountered in locations such as Canada and the US. All ofthese factors can mean that this kind of equipment isconcentration/attention demanding to operate, and this can detract fromother important roles the blast operator may have, such as observationand control of explosives loading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background it would be desirable to provide an electronicblasting system that reduces or obviates these drawbacks.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an electronic blastingsystem comprising:

a plurality of electronic detonators; and

a blasting machine, a function of which is to transmit information toand/or receive information about one or more of the plurality ofelectronic detonators,

wherein the blasting machine is adapted to perform this function undervoice control.

Herein the term “blasting machine” embraces any type of (electronic)device that is used in an electronic blasting system and that is capableof being in signal communication with one or more electronic detonatorsbeing used. The blasting machine may be in direct communication with oneor more of the electronic detonators or the blasting machine maycommunicate with one or more of the electronic detonators indirectly viaone or more intermediate devices. The blasting machine may be in signalcommunication with one or more of the electronic detonators in order tosend various command signals, such as ARM, DISARM and FIRE signalsand/or to program the detonators with detonation delay times and/oridentification codes. Alternatively, or additionally, the blastingmachine may be capable of receiving information from one or more of theelectronic detonators. This information may include the identificationcode and/or detonation delay time assigned to individual detonators orthe status of detonators, for example to confirm that the detonators areready to be fired. The functionalities described for the blastingmachine are not intended to be limiting, and other functionalities willbe apparent from the following description of the invention.

The present invention resides in the use of a blasting machine that maybe operated by a blast operator under voice control in order to carryout some required action in the context of operating the electronicblasting system. Use of a blasting machine that is voice operablereduces the need for the blast operator to use his/her hands foroperation of the device. As will be appreciated from the precedingdiscussion, this has significant practical advantages. The function ofthe blasting machine with respect to the one or more electronicdetonators used in the blasting system may be conventional. However, thefact that this function is voice controlled in accordance with theinvention is believed to represent a significant departure from thestate of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be discussed with reference to theaccompanying non-limiting figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an electronic blasting system inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the kind of steps associated withoperation of an electronic blasting system in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To enable the blasting machine to be operated under voice control theblast operator may speak into a microphone in communication with theblasting machine. This microphone may be provided on a headset or helmetto be worn by the blast operator. The microphone may be connected to theblasting machine by a wire. Alternatively, wireless technology may beused to relay voice input at the microphone to the blasting machine. Inthis case conventional wireless technology protocols and componentry maybe used, such as Bluetooth™. Depending upon context the blast operatormay be in close proximity to the blasting machine during operation ofit. Alternatively, the blast operator may operate the blasting machinefrom a location remote from it. This may be required for safety reasons.In this case voice commands from the blast operator may be relayed tothe blasting machine by a hard (wire) connection or using wirelesstechnology.

When selecting a microphone, the signal-to-noise ratio of the sound pickup of the microphone may be an important consideration, also taking intoaccount background noise. If the signal-to-noise ratio is low the errorrate in identification of voice commands will also be low. Typically,the microphone will be positioned close to the blast operator's mouth inorder to provide clean conveyance of voice commands.

The blasting machine is adapted to operate as required on the basis ofelectrical signals generated in response to voice input at themicrophone used by the blast operator. To facilitate this the blastingmachine will be equipped with some form of voice recognitionfunctionality. Alternatively, the blasting machine may have associatedwith it a device that has voice recognition functionality and that isadapted to control the blasting machine in response to voice commands.For ease, in the following reference will be made simply to the blastingmachine in this regard.

The complexity of the voice recognition functionality of the blastingmachine will vary depending upon the number of tasks that are requiredto be performed under voice control. Thus, where the blasting machine isrequired to perform limited tasks under voice control, the voicerecognition functionality may be relatively basic. On the other hand, inmore complex systems, where the blasting machine may be required toperform a variety of different tasks under voice control, the voicerecognition functionality must be sufficiently sophisticated in order todistinguish between different voice commands. One skilled in the fieldof voice recognition systems would understand how this may be achievedin practice. Here it should be noted that the ability of the human voiceto convey a high density of information is a distinct advantage overconventional (manual) systems where possibly complex combinations ofkeystrokes may be called for in order to distinguish as betweendifferent functionalities of the equipment. The error rate associatedwith operation of the blasting machine is likely to be lower when thenumber of words required to be recognised is low.

The registry of commands to which the blasting machine will respond maybe pre-programmed into the electronics of the blasting machine. Theblasting machine may be configured to operate over a number of differentlanguages with the blast operator selecting his/her language of choice.Alternatively, the blasting machine may be tailored (programmed) torespond to commands from a particular blast operator, i.e. the registryof commands will be configured by the blast operator who will use thedevice in the field. This may enhance operation of the blasting machineunder voice control and operating errors may be reduced.

To eliminate the possibility of operating errors, the blasting machinemay be adapted to seek confirmation from the blast operator of a voiceinput command that has been received prior to implementation of thatcommand. A miniature speaker or earpiece provided on the headset orhelmet used by the blast operator may facilitate this. In thisembodiment the blasting machine will invariably include logicfunctionality that enables a voice command received from the blastoperator to be compared against a registry of stored/actionablecommands. In response to a voice input command the registry is searchedfor a stored command that most closely matches the input commandreceived. The blasting machine may then relay the matched registrycommand to the blast operator (via the speaker or earpiece) forconfirmation that the matched command reflects correctly the actualinput command. If it is not possible to match a voice input command withone stored in the registry, this may be communicated to the blastoperator with a verbal request, or identifier (eg. a tone), for thevoice command to be repeated. By proceeding in this way operating errorscan be avoided. Again, conventional voice recognition technology may beused to achieve this capability.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronicblasting system includes a device that has voice synthesisfunctionality. Preferably, this functionality is associated with orconsequential on a voice command directed to the blasting machine thatis operable under voice control. In one embodiment, the device andblasting machine are the same piece of equipment, and in this case voicesynthesis may be used to acknowledge receipt of a voice input commandand to indicate that the command is being actioned, to request a voiceinput command to be repeated (for confirmation purposes) and/or toprompt further command as might be required. For example, this aspectmay be useful in the context of wireless detonator assemblies includinga charge storage device for discharge into a firing circuit upon receiptof an appropriate FIRE command from an associated blasting machine, asdescribed in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.60/662806, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference.Here the wireless detonator assembly may be configured to discharge in abenign manner, i.e. without firing the detonator, unless a specific“keep alive” signal is received. In accordance with this aspect of theinvention the blasting machine may remind the blast operator to send anappropriate “keep alive” signal to a wireless detonator assembly if thewireless detonator assembly is to remain in a ready-to-fire condition.This reminder may be triggered by a signal from the wireless detonatorassembly to the blasting machine or it may be generated after a specificperiod of time from an original command to charge the charge storagedevice or from the last “keep alive” command sent to the wirelessdetonator assembly.

In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the voice synthesisfunctionality is used to generate a warning message. A voice message mayhave more significance to and impact on a blast operator than some otherwarning indicator, such as a flashing light or alarm.

In another embodiment the blasting system may include some other device,i.e. distinct from the blasting machine, that generates a message orwarning. Preferably, this other device is equipped with voice synthesisfunctionality. In this embodiment the device generates a message as aconsequence of some function performed by the blasting machine. Forexample, where the blasting machine is commencing a particular step,such as detonator charging, it may be appropriate for this fact to berelayed as a message, preferably a voice message, to some other locationat the blast site. The message might be generated at a central controlstation where progress of the blast implementation process is beingmonitored and controlled. Alternatively, or additionally, the functionof the blasting machine may automatically trigger warning messages atvarious locations at the blast site, thereby alerting personnel aboutthe progress of the blasting process. This may contribute significantlyto the safety of the blasting process. One skilled in the art ofblasting operations will understand that this embodiment of theinvention may be used in a variety of ways. By way of example, thisembodiment may be incorporated in a blasting operation in which a(remote) central command station is adapted to transmit command signalsto one or more blast boxes that are in signal communication with thecentral command station and with a group of electronic detonators. Thistype of arrangement is disclosed in WO 2004/020934. It would be usefulin the context of this arrangement for certain functions of the centralcommand station (operated under voice control) to trigger some (warning)message at the associated blast boxes, for example, to alert anypersonnel in the area that the step of charging the detonators is aboutto commence.

This embodiment of the invention may also be integrated as part of anotherwise conventional mine alarm system. Such mine alarm systems arewell known in the art and have been commercialised by entities such asMine Site Technologies. In this embodiment-it will be appreciated thatgeneration of the message(s) is contingent upon some functionality ofthe blasting machine being imminent, in process or complete.

In embodiments of the present invention that involve voice synthesisfunctionality, a voice message can be synthesised electronically or itcan be a message compounded from a set of pre-recorded messages that arestored in the blasting machine. The use of pre-recorded messages (verbalreplay of actual human speech) may be preferred where the system isconstrained in computational power. Depending upon context responsescould be simple, like “yes” or they can be multi-digit numbers createdby concatenation, or warning messages. In providing acknowledgment tothe blast operator of some received command the need for the blastingmachine to include a display that reflects operating status of thedevice may be removed. This can be a distinct advantage since LCDdisplays typically used in blasting equipment can be difficult to see inlow light conditions and, moreover, tend not to function in coldclimates (less than −15° C., say).

In a preferred embodiment, the blasting machine may comprise as asecurity/safety feature voice recognition analysis functionality inorder to limit operation of the blasting machine to authorisedpersonnel. The use of voice recognition analysis in this way cancontribute significantly to security/safety, especially where criticalfunctionality of the blasting machine, i.e. functionality necessary toinitiate a blast, may only be implemented under voice control. In thisway, unauthorised personal may be prevented from initiating a blast,even if they have access to the various componentry otherwise required.

For this aspect of the invention to be implemented, the blasting machinewill comprise, or have associated with it, a voice analyser that iscapable of comparing a voice input with a stored registry of voiceinputs for authorised users. The voice analyser may be part of theblasting machine itself or it may be provided separately, and possiblyremotely, from the blasting machine. One skilled in the art of voicerecognition technology would be familiar with the kind of hardware andsoftware required to implement such a system.

Other biometric feature analysis systems based on, for example,fingerprint, iris or retina recognition, may be used in addition to oras an alternative to voice recognition as a means of distinguishingbetween authorised and unauthorised users. However, as the blastingmachine used in accordance with the invention is operable under voicecontrol, it may be more convenient to rely on voice recognition analysisfor security/safety purposes rather than some other biometric feature.Other aspects of the blasting system in accordance with the presentinvention may of course include security/safety measures based onanalysis and recognition of one or more biometric features.

It may also be advantageous for the voice recognition technologyassociated with the blasting machine to comprise memory means forstoring voice commands that have been received by the blasting machine.This may provide useful information as to how the blasting system hasbeen used, for example for diagnostic purposes in the event of amis-fire. This feature may also be used to check whether anyunauthorised attempts to use the blasting machine under voice controlhave been made. Any unauthorised attempts to use the blasting machinemay trigger an alarm and/or this may lead to shutdown of the blastingmachine system thereby rendering it inoperable. To be useful inpractice, an alarm should be triggered and/or the blasting machineshutdown only in the event of a series of unsuccessful/unauthorisedattempts to use the blasting machine under voice control. In the eventthat the blasting machine is shutdown, it may be reactivated, typicallyby use of a secure access code.

Further details about the use of biometric features in order to provideincreased security/safety to blasting systems is described in theapplicant's co-pending U.S. provisional patent application No.60/653085, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In the alternative, authorised use of the blasting machine may becontrolled by use of other means, such as smart cards, and the like.

The function of the blasting machine that may be voiceactuated/controlled may vary from system to system. However, in generalterms the function involves the transmission of information to and/orthe receipt of information about one or more of the electronicdetonators. This information may comprise information necessary forimplementation of the blasting process, such as detonator identity dataand/or detonation delay time. Alternatively, or additionally, theinformation may comprise specific command signals relating to detonatorfunctionality, such as ARM, DISARM and FIRE command signals.

It may be necessary to customise the blasting machine to one or moreauthorised blast operators to ensure that the voice recognitionfunctionality of the blasting machine will operate as intended. It willalso be appreciated that some training may initially be required toenable a blast operator to use an electronic blasting system inaccordance with the present invention. Thereafter, however, it isbelieved that the present invention will enable blasting operations tobe carried out with ease and in a safe and reliable manner.

In one embodiment, the blasting machine may be a portable device (orlogger) that is intended to transmit information to and/or receiveinformation about a particular (selected) detonator when the portabledevice is associated with that detonator. This may be a particularlyuseful application of the present invention since the portable devicewill be needed in field conditions and these may present difficultiesfor hand-operation of control equipment In this context the term“associated” means that the portable device and detonator are broughttogether in order to allow the exchange of information to proceed.Information may be transmitted and/or received over a hard (wire)connection or using laser or wireless radio technology. The nature ofthe association called for will vary depending upon the particulars ofthe system. This will become apparent from the subsequent description ofembodiments of the invention. Examples of the function that the portabledevice may perform under voice control are included below.

The portable device may be used to record the identity number ofindividual electronic detonators. Here individual detonators will havean associated tag that is readable digitally by the device. The tag willtypically be associated with the detonator such that the tag will beaccessible at the collar of a blasthole when the detonator has beendeployed in the blasthole.

The tag may be a bar code that represents the identity number specificto a detonator with which the tag is associated. In this case theportable device is a bar code reader (scanner) that can read the barcode when brought into sufficiently close proximity with the bar code.The portable device may have a laser stripe for reading bar codes in lowlight conditions. The technology required to do this is well known,although in this embodiment reading of the bar code may be initiatedunder voice control. The portable device will store the identity numberfor later use, typically for downloading to the blast control unit fordetonator programming.

In an alternative embodiment the tag may be a radio frequency (RF) tagassociated with the detonator. The RF tag carries an identity numberrelating to the detonator and may be read by a suitable portable device.The basic technology required to do this is well known with respect tothe tag and reader, although in this embodiment activation of the deviceto perform reading is voice activated. In a preferred embodiment thedevice may provide a voice synthesised status report, as mentioned abovein connection with the bar code reader. Alternatively, the portabledevice may need to be connected electrically (using wires) to thedetonator, before or after deployment in a blasthole, for logging. Thedetonators may be connected to the device one at a time, logged and thendisconnected, or they may be logged as they are connected for the firstand last time to a harness wire. Logging takes place under voice controlwith the portable device preferably offering a verbal commentary toassist the logging process.

In all of these examples the identity number of an electronic detonatoris pre-assigned and readable using a portable electronic device. Theidentity number will be stored for subsequent use and this willtypically involve downloading of the identity numbers of an array ofdetonators to a remote central blast control unit to facilitatedetonator programming. Here it is also necessary for the identity dataof individual detonators to be associated with information relating tothe respective locations of the detonators. The detonator location isimportant when firing times are not directly allocated to the detonatorsduring logging since the detonation delay will vary between blastholelocations across the blast field.

Preferably, the location of a given detonator may be recorded andassociated with the detonator identity number using the same portabledevice that is used for reading and logging the identity number. It isalso preferred that the location of a given detonator (the identity dataof which is being logged) may be stored or determined under voicecontrol. Thus, at the time of logging detonator identity number theblast operator may also record, under voice control, the location of therelevant detonator. In one embodiment the portable device may beresponsive to voice input giving details of the row and hole numbers ofthe detonator being logged and store this information as an electronicrecord that is paired with the detonator identity number. In analternative embodiment the portable device may be adapted to record theabsolute position of the detonator being logged and to this end thedevice may include GPS functionality. Preferably, location determinationusing the GPS functionality may be voice controlled. Again, for thepurposes of the central blast control unit it is important for theidentity number and location information relating to each detonator tobe recorded as an association of data that characterises each detonator.

In another embodiment the identity number is assigned to each detonatorat the time of its use, i.e. the identity number is not pre-assigned. Inthis case a function of the portable device is to communicate theidentity number to the detonator for storage in a memory unit inelectronic circuitry of the detonator. This may require some form ofwire connection between the portable device and the relevant detonatorthe portable device and detonator may be adapted to communicatewirelessly. Once a suitable “connection” between the portable device andthe detonator has been established programming of the detonator with anidentity number may be initiated under voice control. The portabledevice will also record the identity number allocated as well asinformation as to detonator location. This latter functionality may beachieved as described above.

In the various embodiments described above, the blast operator controlsfunction of the portable device under voice control. In a preferredembodiment, the portable device also has voice synthesis functionalityand is able to “answer” the blast operator with voice messages, in orderto provide useful information. This may include the generation ofwarning messages relating to the occurrence, or non-occurrence, ofvarious events in the process. The ability of the blasting machine to“answer” the blast operator is also useful as it may then be possible toavoid the need to use traditional LCD displays and/or to rely on “beeps”of various tones and lengths to communication information to the blastoperator, as might be required during use of the portable device. Forexample, when the blast operator commences logging of a particular rowof detonators/blastholes, the portable device is able to recognise theprogression and offer by synthesised voice an update as to hole numbereach time the blast operator logs a detonator. A voice message, such asimple “yes”, may be generated by the portable device as confirmationthat a hole has been logged correctly, thereby allowing the blastoperator to move onto the next hole with confidence. In the same way GPScoordinates may be interpreted via a stored blast plan into row numberand hole number and offered to the blast operator (by synthesised voice)for confirmation.

In the embodiments described the intended result is that the blastoperator has an electronic record of the identity number and location ofeach detonator in the entire blast field. As noted, preferably theidentity number and location are stored as an associated pair by theportable device used for reading or assigning detonator identity number.After the detonators have been characterised in this way, the portabledevice may be interfaced with a blast control unit in order to downloadinformation about the detonators (i.e. identity number and location). Inturn this allows each detonator to be programmed by the blast controlunit with a detonation delay time. Alternatively, interfacing of theportable device with a central blast control unit may be via electricalconnection (wires or docking) with the data remaining in the portabledevice but accessible by the blast control unit for programming ofdetonators. These general approaches are in themselves well known andone skilled in the art would be familiar with the equipment andmethodology to be used.

In yet another embodiment the portable device may be operated undervoice control to program individual detonators with a detonation delaytime based on the position of the detonators in the overall blastpattern. This may involve some form of hard (wire) connection betweenthe portable device and the (electronic circuitry of the) detonator,although this could be achieved using wireless technology. In practice ablast operator will move from blasthole to blasthole using the portabledevice to allocate a predetermined detonation delay based on detonatorlocation.

Preferably, in this embodiment the portable device includes anelectronic record of the detonation delay based on location andallocates the relevant delay in response to an input as to location.This may be achieved by voice input by the blast operator, such as byreference to the row and hole number being visited. In this case it maybe helpful for the portable device to report by synthesised voice thedelay time that is applicable to a particular detonator based onlocation. Alternatively, the location may be determined automaticallyusing a GPS system. Preferably, the GPS functionality is provided for inthe same portable device that is used for detonator delay timeprogramming. It is also preferred that determination of location by theGPS system is voice activated. Using this particular embodiment toprogram the detonators it may be sufficient for the blast operator toconnect or associate the portable device with a selected detonator (asrequired for detonator programming) and then initiate locationdetermination by suitable voice command. The portable device thendetermines the location of the detonator and programs it with adetonation delay time based on an electronic record of location/intendeddelay time that has been pre-programmed into the portable device. Theportable device could confirm by a suitable voice message or tone thatprogramming has been successful. As will be appreciated this wouldenable rapid and easy detonator programming.

As alluded to above, even though it is not required for programming ofdetonator delay time, it may be useful to allocate an identity number toeach detonator to permit some form of centralised control by a blastcontrol unit. This may be helpful when it comes to pre-blast testing ofthe detonators and/or re-programming of detonators as might be required.If required, the portable device may also therefore be used to assigndetonator identity number, as described above. Preferably this can alsobe done by appropriate voice command from the blast operator under voicecontrol. It is unlikely that the blast operator would actually read outthe number to be assigned—stored identity numbers may be allocatedincrementally, for example. After the detonators have been allocatedidentity numbers, this information together with location can bedownloaded to the blast control unit for subsequent use.

When the portable device is adapted to communicate audible signals ormessages to the blast operator this may be done via a miniature speakeror earpiece provided on the headset or helmet used by the blastoperator. This will be in communication with the portable device in thesame way as the microphone, i.e. using a wire connection or a wirelesscommunication protocol. In this embodiment it is preferred to use asingle earpiece since this will enable the blast operator to fulfil hisprimary role of observation and control. In turn this will enhance thesafety of blasting operations and improve the reliability of blastprogramming using electronic detonators.

The portable device may interface with the blast control unit inconventional manner. Usually, this will be done by suitable wireconnections from an output terminal of the portable device to an inputterminal of the blast control unit. The blast control unit maycommunicate as required with individual detonators using the detonatoridentity numbers. This functionality may be implemented under voicecontrol. Alternatively, the blast control unit may communicate with alldetonators at the same time, for example when issuing a PREPARE TO FIRE,FIRE or DISARM command. This may be done over a wired network in whichindividual detonators are connected by wires to a surface harness thatitself is connected to the blast control unit. Alternatively, the blastcontrol unit and detonators may be adapted to communicate with eachother over a wireless network. One skilled in the art would appreciatehow this may be done.

The present invention may be implemented by the adaptation of knownelectronic blasting components (blasting machines) to include thenecessary voice recognition, and possibly voice synthesis,functionality. Alternatively, the components may be designed andconstructed afresh.

The present invention also provides a blasting machine, as describedherein, for use in an electronic blasting system of the invention.

The present invention further provides a method of blasting whichcomprises use of an electronic blasting system in accordance with thepresent invention. The crux of this aspect of the invention is the useof a blasting machine, a function of which is to transmit information toand/or receive information about an electronic detonator with which theblasting machine is associated, the blasting machine being adapted toperform this function under voice control.

Embodiments of the method and blasting machine of the invention will beapparent from the discussion herein of the corresponding blastingsystem.

FIG. 1 shows an electronic blasting system 1 in accordance with thepresent invention. The system 1 includes a blast control unit 2 that isconnected via a surface harness 3 to a plurality of electronicdetonators 4. The detonators 4 are connected to the surface harness 3 bydownlines 5. In use the detonators will be provided in blastholes (notshown) and the blastholes loaded with bulk explosive. Each detonator 4may have attached to it a tag 6 including an identity number specific tothe detonator to which the tag 6 is attached. The tag 6 may be a labelincluding a bar code or an RF tag. In use the tag 6 will be provided atthe collar of a blasthole (for access) when an associated detonator hasbeen deployed.

The electronic blasting system 1 also includes a portable electronicdevice 7 that is carried by a blast operator 8. There is a communicationlink 9 between the blast operator 8 and the portable device 7 by whichthe blast operator 8 can communicate with and control a function of theportable device 7 by voice. The link 9 may be a wire connection or awireless link. The blast operator 8 is provided with a headset (notshown) including a microphone and an earpiece. The portable device 7 isadapted to receive electrical signals generated by the microphone inresponse to voice commands by the blast operator 8. These signals arerelayed to the portable device 7 over the communication link 9. Theportable device 7 can communicate audible signals to the earpiece overthe same communication link 9, as may be required. As noted previously,as an alternative, the portable device may have voicesynthesis/generation functionality in order to communicate informationto the blast operator 8.

The portable device 7 is adapted to log the identity number ofindividual detonators 4 via the tag 6 associated with each detonator 4.In the embodiments shown the device 7 will be a bar code reader or RFlogger. In preparing a blast the blast operator 8 moves from detonator 4to detonator 4 logging the identity number associated with each. Loggingis achieved using the portable device 7 which is operated under voicecontrol by the blast operator 8 over the communication link 9. It isalso necessary to record the location of each detonator 4 and for thelocation to be paired with the detonator identity number. To this endthe portable device 7 may be adapted to record location informationinput by the blast operator, possibly under voice control.Alternatively, the portable device 7 may include GPS functionality sothat the location of each detonator 4 being logged can be determined andstored. In this case, it is preferred that the GPS functionality of thedevice 7 is activated by an appropriate voice command by the blastoperator 8.

After all of the detonators 4 in the blast field have been logged inthis way the portable device 7 is interfaced with the blast control unit2 and information (identity number and location) about each detonatordownloaded. The interface is typically a wire connection between thedevice 7 and control unit 2. The blast control unit 2 is then able tocommunicate with individual detonators 4 using the individual detonatoridentity numbers as addresses. In this way the detonators 4 may beprogrammed with detonation delay times. The blast control unit 2 mayalso communicate with individual detonators 4 to perform other functionsincluding, for example, diagnostic testing. Of course, the blast controlunit 2 is also used to prepare the detonators 4 for firing bytransmission of appropriate signals across the surface harness, and forfiring the detonators 4. If required, the blast control unit 2 may alsodisarm the detonators 4 after they have been armed for firing, as may berequired.

FIG. 2 represents the kind of steps that may be performed in operatingthe portable device 7 under voice control. Thus, on detection of a voicecommand (step 100) via the microphone, the portable device generates andstores in a suitable memory module an electronic representation of thevoice command (step 102). This representation is then compared with astored registry of commands which the portable device recognises asactionable (step 104). If the voice command received by the portabledevice matches a command in the registry of stored commands, the deviceis activated and performs the requisite function (step 108). Althoughnot shown in FIG. 2, the portable device may seek confirmation from theblast operator that the command identified in the registry is theintended command, and this may be done by relaying a suitable message orsignal to the earpiece worn by the blast operator. The blast operatormay, for example, be invited to confirm the command with a simple YES orNO answer. This answer will be processed using a similar approach by theportable device in order to verify the action to by undertaken. Afterthe portable device has undertaken the action required, a confirmationmessage or signal to this effect may be transmitted to the blastoperator (step 110).

In the event that the voice input command-received by the portabledevice cannot be matched to a command in the registry of storedcommands, the portable device may send a message or signal to thiseffect to the blast operator via the earpiece (step 106). The voicecommand can then be repeated until the blast operator can confirm thatthe portable device will put the correct functionality into effect.

It will be appreciated that to operate in this way the portable devicewill include voice recognition componentry and software and logicfunctionality. These aspect are individually known in the art for use inother voice operated systems. The present invention may be used with anyvoice recognition and logic technology provided the principlesassociated with the present invention are observed.

1. An electronic blasting system comprising: a plurality of electronicdetonators; and a blasting machine, a function of which is to transmitinformation to and/or receive information about one or more of theplurality of electronic detonators, wherein the blasting machine isadapted to perform this function under voice control.
 2. An electronicblasting system according to claim 1 comprising a microphone incommunication with the blasting machine.
 3. An electronic blastingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the microphone is provided on aheadset or helmet.
 4. An electronic blasting system according to claim1, wherein the blasting machine is adapted to seek confirmation from ablast operator of a voice input command that has been received prior toimplementation of that command.
 5. An electronic blasting systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the blasting machine includes logicfunctionality that enables a voice command received from the blastoperator to be compared against a registry of stored/actionablecommands, that enables the registry to be searched for a stored commandthat most closely matches the input command received, and that enablesthe blasting machine to relay the matched registry command to the blastoperator for confirmation that the matched command reflects correctlythe actual input command, and wherein if it is not possible to match avoice input command with one stored in the registry, this iscommunicated to the blast operator with a verbal request or identifierfor the voice command to be repeated.
 6. An electronic blasting systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a device that has voicesynthesis functionality.
 7. An electronic blasting system according toclaim 6, wherein the voice synthesis functionality is associated with orconsequential on a voice command directed to the blasting machine thatis operable under voice control.
 8. An electronic blasting systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the device and blasting machine are thesame piece of equipment, and the voice synthesis functionality is usedto acknowledge receipt of a voice input command and to indicate that thecommand is being actioned, to request a voice input command to berepeated (for confirmation purposes) and/or to prompt further command asmight be required.
 9. An electronic blasting system according to claim6, wherein the voice synthesis functionality is used to generate awarning message.
 10. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1,wherein the blasting machine comprises as a security/safety featurevoice recognition analysis functionality in order to limit operation ofthe blasting machine to authorised personnel.
 11. An electronic blastingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the blasting machine comprisesmemory means for storing voice commands that have been received by theblasting machine.
 12. An electronic blasting system according to claim11, wherein unauthorised attempts to use the blasting machine trigger analarm and/or lead to shutdown of the blasting machine system therebyrendering it inoperable.
 13. An electronic blasting system according toclaim 1, wherein the blasting machine is a portable device that isintended to transmit information to and/or receive information about aparticular detonator when the portable device is associated with thatdetonator.
 14. A blasting machine as defined in claim 1 for use in anelectronic blasting system.
 15. A method of blasting which comprises useof an electronic blasting system as claimed in claim 1